**Allahabad**: In a rare expression of dismay, the Allahabad High Court observed last week that it appears ‘Kalyug’—the age of discord and moral decline—has arrived. This statement was made during a hearing involving an elderly couple, both in their late 70s, embroiled in a legal battle over maintenance.The bench, headed by Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamshery, was hearing a petition filed by Munish Kumar Gupta, challenging a family court’s order that directed him to pay Rs. 5000 per month as maintenance to his wife, Gayatri Devi. The Court issued notice to the wife and listed the case for a final hearing, expressing hope that the couple might reach a settlement.The couple’s dispute stretches back decades. Munish Kumar Gupta, a former IV-class employee in the medical department, built a house in the name of his wife in 1981. However, after his retirement, tensions arose when Gayatri Devi gifted the house to their younger son in 2008, three years after Munish’s retirement. This move sparked a family feud, as the elder son felt deprived of his rightful share.As the conflict between the couple escalated, they began living separately with their respective sons. Gayatri Devi eventually filed a maintenance claim against her husband, which led the family court to order him to provide Rs. 5000 as monthly maintenance.Dissatisfied with this ruling, Munish Kumar Gupta moved to the Allahabad High Court, seeking relief from the order. The court, while hearing the matter, voiced its concern about the nature of the dispute between the elderly couple, particularly at this stage of their lives. Justice Shamshery’s remark that ‘Kalyug’ has seemingly arrived was a reflection of the court’s disappointment in seeing such familial discord, especially between senior citizens.The case has drawn attention as it highlights the legal challenges faced by elderly couples, as well as the emotional and financial strains that such disputes can bring to families. With the court now set to hear the matter further, there is anticipation that a settlement might be reached, offering a resolution to the long-standing family dispute.